Scrumhalf Morne van den Berg scored a brace of tries as the Springboks out-muscled Italy at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, in the first match of a two-Test series.

The Springboks backed up their massive win over the Barbarians with another victory, running in five tries to beat the Azzurri 42-24 in Pretoria. But it was far from the quality of performance usually associated with the world champions and coach Rassie Erasmus will be demanding a far more polished showing next week.

Although there may have been some issues, the Boks defaulted to traditional strengths with the forwards dominating the set pieces and feeding off Italian mistakes. It was an industrial, albeit unspectacular performance that steered the Boks to victory.

Jesse Kriel became the 67th Springbok captain and celebrated in style by dotting down a Damian de Allende grubber in the 11th minute. Referee Hollie Davidson awarded the try, but the decision was sent up to the TMO to check if Kriel was not ahead of the kick. However the officials agreed that there was no clear evidence to suggest that Kriel was offside.

Lekker Kaptein Kriel 👍#Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold #RSAvITA pic.twitter.com/ATS9XHbRz7

— Springboks (@Springboks) July 5, 2025

The Springboks didn’t have it all their own way in the first half, with the Azzurri putting in a spirited defensive effort characterised by some monster hits. But cynical play on their own line saw Italy lose their influential No 8 Lorenzo Cannone, and almost immediately conceded a try – scored by Bok scrumhalf van den Berg.

Winger Kurt-Lee Arendse and van den Berg’s second of the night, made sure that the Boks go into the sheds with a comfortable 28-3 lead. Handre Pollard was perfect from the kicking tee, converting all four tries.

Another one for KLA ⚡#Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold #RSAvITA pic.twitter.com/1ib9wI9B7R

— Springboks (@Springboks) July 5, 2025

It was however the Azzurri who came out stronger in the second half, with flanker Manuel Zuliani scoring Italy’s first try of the night.

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Replacement tighthead, Vincent Koch, scored his first try in the Green & Gold to restore the Boks’ 25-point advantage, but Italy hit back shortly afterwards with a try on debut for Pablo Dimcheff, followed by one by captain Niccolo Cannone which reduced the deficit to just 11 points.

Replacement loose forward Marco van Staden scored the sixth and final try for the Boks as they wrapped up the victory.

Both teams had a try denied in the second half, but it had no real bearing on the result as the South Africans leave Loftus with the mission accomplished.

The second and final Test in this mini-series takes place at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha next Saturday.